Conservation Commission Approves Route 177 Roundabout Wetlands Filing 5-1

Conservation · Meeting of February 17, 2026

Westport Conservation Commission approves wetlands filing for $5 million Route 177 roundabout over residents' safety objections. The commission voted 5-1 at its February 17 meeting to approve a limited project Notice of Intent, file SE 80-2827, for a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Route 177, Tickle Road, and Robert Street, with the lone dissent cast by Commissioner Jake. Engineers Greg LaCroix and Kyle Stanley of Park Corporation, presenting on behalf of the town and MassDOT, said the project permanently alters 508 square feet of bordering vegetated wetland and proposes a 1,087-square-foot replication area as mitigation.

Residents including truck operator Manuel Sawes Jr. and statistician Michelle Carty challenged the design's adequacy, with Carty arguing the roundabout would direct skidding vehicles toward her home at 407 Tickle Road. Before voting yes, one commissioner stated, "I don't want my yes vote to be misconstrued as any type of endorsement for the project." The sole enforceable condition requires all property easements to be signed and recorded before construction can begin, with final project approval expected before the Select Board.

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Source: the Conservation meeting of February 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.